Mr. Kelley passed from this life Tuesday morning, December 24, 2019 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
A life-long resident of Hardeman County, he was born in Hickory Valley, the son of the late James, Sr. "Jimmy" and Roxanna Odom Kelley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lula Brown; and three brothers, James, Jr., Buddy and Eugene Kelley.
Mr. Kelley served in law enforcement for 30 years, first as constable for Hardeman County, then as a policeman for the towns of Grand Junction and Hickory Valley. He had experience driving 18-wheelers and, as a young man, had worked for Fawcett Lumber Company.
Well-known throughout Hardeman County, "Rooster" is described by his family as a "jack-of-all-trades" and having never met a stranger. His love for household led him to be very much a "hands-on" father who was always there for his family.
He leaves two daughters, Ginia (Greg) Mullen of Toone and Brandy Kelley of Selmer; one son, Tim (Tara) Kelley of Hickory Valley; one sister, Barbara Powers of Memphis; five grandchildren, Joey (Shawna) Mullen, Jonathan Kelley, Damien Kelley, Roxanna Kelley and one he raised like a son, Coty (Kristen) Kelley; five great-grandchildren, Hayden Middlecoff, Harper Kelley, Allyson Sipes, Harlie and Tucker Mullen; and his former wife, Martha Walls West of Selmer.